army, with the additions sent in by the governors, outnumbered that of King Guy. So, while the latter was blockading the city, Saladin was gradually blockading the camp of the Franks. With the latter between the garrison in the city and the army on the surrounding hills, it looked as though when conditions were ripe the two Saracen forces might squeeze their foe between them. To be sure, the camp of the Franks was close to the sea, the control of which varied from time to time, and here was a way of escape in emergency, but at least the menace to the city was for the moment definitely less than it had been at first.
There was, however, one serious difficulty which interfered with the Moslem prosecution of the conflict and would continue to be an obstacle throughout the long and trying campaign which was now under way. The Sultan was ill and had been so for some time. On the way to Acre, when the Franks thought they saw an opportunity for successful attack, he was so overcome he could only keep his seat in the saddle by sheer force of will. At that he had to dismount repeatedly and rest under the shadow of a piece of cloth, which was held over his head. He should have given himself over to the care of a physician, but his one fear was that information of his illness might reach the enemy, so he would not permit his tent to be set up until camp was made.
Just what ailed him has never been made perfectly clear, though it is certain the miasmas rising from the low lying districts at this hot period had an evil effect

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